Growing, Grading, Selling and Storing Chestnuts
Wednesday, August 7 | 1 – 3 p.m. | Columbus Junction, IA
Curious about adding chestnuts to your farm? Do you have chestnuts planted and want to see a profitable operation? If either applies to you, attend this field day! Roger will discuss chestnut production, including tree and understory care; labor required during harvest; and proper handling and storage. He will also share his views on pricing and marketing, and Iowa’s opportunity as an emerging leader in chestnut production.
HOSTS: Roger and Kay Smith | (563) 260-6333
prairiegrovechestnutgrowers.com | gsons3@aol.com
THE FARM:
Roger Smith has been growing chestnuts for 16 years, now raising 20 acres of nuts. In 2014, he created the Prairie Grove Chestnut Growers cooperative to give Midwest family farms who are growing chestnuts a ready and reliable market. In 2018, Roger bought, sorted, bagged and sold over 84,000 pounds of fresh chestnuts grown on over 60 orchards in Iowa, Missouri and Illinois. The cooperative sells chestnuts all over the United States.
LOCATION: 19417 120th St. Columbus Junction 52738
Note: Follow the field days signs, as Google Maps may not be accurate.
Note: The field day will begin at Roger’s orchard, and will conclude at Prairie Grove Chestnut Growers headquarters (106 Legion Road, Columbus Junction).
DIRECTIONS:
From Columbus City: Head east on Columbus Street / County Road X37 and go about 3.5 miles. Turn left (east) onto 120th Street and go 1 mile; the farm will be on the right (south) side of the road.
MEAL INFORMATION:
Light refreshments will follow the field day.
2019 Field Day Sponsors
A Level
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